Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I register/join the waitlist?

All learners will receive confirmation and further information via email within 48 hours of registration.

For those who have joined the waitlist, you will receive further communication via email about course place availability and future facilitated training opportunities at Emerging Minds.

 

Who is this training open to?

The Advanced practice certificate in child mental health and trauma program is open to all practitioners working in Australia and its territories.

 

How is this program different to Emerging Minds’ other training resources? 

Emerging Minds offers a wide range of evidence-based resources developed in collaboration with practitioners, families and academics from across Australia. These include online courses, podcasts, videos, practice papers, guides and more, designed for independent consumption (and sharing). The Advanced practice certificate in child mental health and trauma program offers this content in a facilitated, supportive group learning environment. Participants are able to connect with each other and the trainers, and discuss case studies, learnings and dilemmas, all in real time. 

 

What type of support will I receive as I undertake the program?

There are 11 tutorials included in the program and a three-hour online workshop to support your online learning. These offer opportunities to connect with skilled instructors and other online learners. Emerging Minds staff are also available via email for support throughout the course.

 

How much does the program cost?

This training is provided free as part of the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health (NWC). Led by Emerging Minds the NWC is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

 

What is the Advanced practice certificate in child mental health and trauma? 

The Advanced practice certificate in child mental health and trauma program is a free 12-month, facilitated online training package offered by Emerging Minds.  

 

How is the program structured? 

The program is delivered online and includes 28 sessions (written content and video demonstrations and interviews – approximately one hour a week), 11 facilitated 90-minute tutorials (flexible times and options) and one three-hour online workshop. 

Throughout this training package, you’ll hear from experienced practitioners as they reflect on their work, and you’ll have the opportunity to view video demonstrations featuring practitioners working with child and parent actors. Each week, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your own practice, and to consider which skills, ideas and understandings you might use.  

 

Why was the program developed? 

Did you know that 13% of Australian children aged zero to 12, meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition (Lawrence et al, 2023)? 

We also know that many more are at risk of developing mental health conditions due to trauma, poverty, isolation and disadvantage.   

Practitioners – like you – have a significant role to play in the prevention and early intervention strategies that can provide children and their families with the help that they need.  This is all part of making children’s mental health everyone’s business.  

Emerging Minds has developed this program to support you in this work. 

 

Who contributed to the program? 

Emerging Minds has collaborated over many years with practitioners, organisations, sectors and parents and families with lived experience, to develop key practices and competencies that support effective engagement with infants, children and their families.    

Our skills, principles and demonstrations are derived from contemporary clinical theory such as cognitive behaviour therapy, psychoeducation, narrative and family therapy, and motivational interviewing. 

These are then translated into evidence-informed professional learning materials for an extensive range of professions and disciplines. This includes online learnings, videos, animations, podcasts, practice papers and guides plus much more, including this program. 

 

Are there assessments?

As part of this training, there are two written assessments for completion: a major assignment focused on a case study (1,500 words), and five written reflections (300 words each) on the course content.

 

How long does the program take and what are the key dates?

The program includes 28 learning modules (approximately one hour of course work per week), 11 x 90-minute online tutorials, and one three-hour online workshop run over 12 months with four break periods, including one over the Christmas and New Year period.

Registration deadline

Monday 30 June 2025

Welcome week and introductory tutorial
Wednesday 23 July 2025

Course commencement
Monday 28 July 2025

Course breaks
Break one: Monday 25 August to Friday 29 August 2025
Break two: Monday 20 October to Friday 24 October 2025
End of year break: Monday 08 December 2025 to Friday 06 February 2026
Break four: Monday 23 March 2026 to Friday 27 March 2026

Course conclusion
Friday 01 May 2026

Download a copy of the 2025/26 course schedule.

 

What topics does the program include?

The program includes over 120 key competencies for working with infants, children, parents and families to support child mental health.

It will provide you with understandings about what child mental health is, why it is important, and the contexts that affect it.

You will learn about practice and explore strategies to:

• effectively engage with children using trauma-informed principles
• work with parents when their adversities are negatively affecting their children
• develop confidence in culturally safe and responsive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families
• work effectively with infants, toddlers and their families
• work curiously, competently and confidently with culturally and linguistically diverse children and their families; and
• respond to a range of specific presentations including child trauma, bullying, the needs of autistic and ADHDer children and much more.

 

What learning outcomes can I expect?

Download a copy of the Advanced practice certificate in child mental health and trauma: Competencies (121)

 

What do I receive upon completion of the program?

You will receive a completion certificate.

 

Do I need to start the program on a specific date?

Yes, the content has been carefully curated to build on your knowledge and skills over the duration of the course. Week specific live tutorials are offered throughout the course to support your learning. Your engagement and participation in all aspects of the course is recommended.

 

Does my workplace need to be involved/registered for me to join the program?

You are free to join this training on your own, but it might be useful to let your supervisor know you have enrolled. That way they can support you to implement your new understandings and skills within the context of your specific role. Tutorials are scheduled so that participants can undertake them during the working day or in the evening if participating outside of workplace provided CPD time.

 

Are there any pre-requisites and/or assumed knowledge?

This training caters for a broad range of understandings and skill. However, as an advanced package, foundational knowledge of children’s mental health is assumed as is some practice experience working with children and families. If you are not sure whether this course is right for you, we would love to talk with you about it – please contact us at [email protected].

 

References

Lawrence, D., Heilscher, E., Whiteford, H., Bartlett, J., & Diminic, S. (2023). Regional estimates of child and adolescent mental disorders. Research Data Australia.